Meet Fahteema Parrish, an African American woman entrepreneur who is the Founder and CEO of Parrish & Sons Construction, a successful Black woman-owned construction business based in Kansas City, Missouri. With more than a decade of experience, her company specializes in earthwork and has built a reputation for perseverance and leadership in a male-dominated industry.
Fahteema says that her company's name honors her family, including her husband, Clark, and their four sons. Parrish & Sons specializes in excavating, grading, storm utilities, demolition, and rock crushing.Before launching her construction business, she worked as a software engineer and explored other entrepreneurial ventures such as barbering, beauty services, lawn care, and property management. Her entrepreneurial drive comes from growing up in a small business environment, as her father owns an HVAC company.
Reflecting on her journey in the past decade, Fahteema says that her success is a result of perseverance, noting that every day presents new challenges, including sexism in the construction industry.
"This is a tough industry to go from technology, which was a male-dominated field, and then to enter into construction, which was another male-dominated field, it’s very tough," Parrish told KSHB. Yet, she pushes forward with unwavering faith, which helps her overcome obstacles.
Her company has been part of significant projects in Kansas City, including the Three Light Tower, KCI Airport, and the Kansas City Zoo. Despite the challenges, Parrish celebrates her small victories and values lifelong learning.
Fahteema also mentors young professionals and supports programs like the Full Employment Council and Awesome Ambitions. Recently, she passed the National Standard General Building Contractor exam, further cementing her expertise.
Her advice to others: "Stay the course. Growth and comfort, they cannot coexist. Be okay trying, and be okay failing. But choosing to fail forward and learn from that."
Learn more about the company via its official website at ParrishAndSonsConstruction.com
Also, be sure to follow them on Instagram @ParrishAndSonsConstruction